Learning Unit 2 - Learning Theory:
An Introduction

Many educators have heard and used the term "pedagogy." Pedagogy focuses on teaching and learning as it relates to children. However, many educators have not heard or used the term "andragogy." Malcolm Knowles is often considered the "Father of Adult Learning" and he was the first in the U.S. to use the term when talking about how adults learn. Andragogy is based on six assumptions about the adult learner.

Knowles believed that:

1. When adults have reached the stage where they take responsibility for their learning, they need to be seen and treated by others as capable of self-direction.
2. Adults come to school with much more knowledge and many life experiences that aren't present in younger students. The knowledge and life experiences they have should be not only respected but used to increase learning in the classroom.
3. Adults want to learn new things and they want to be able to use that knowledge in their own daily life experiences.
4. Adults are problem-centered. That is they want to learn things that will help them perform tasks or deal with daily life unlike younger students who are more subject-oriented.
5. Adults want to know "why" they need to learn certain things. They don't want to expend energy learning something that they cannot use.
6. Motivation in adults is internal and revolves around self-esteem, quality of life issues, or increased satisfaction with their jobs.